Serology is a medical blood test to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood serum. Such antibodies may be formed against a microorganism, against other foreign proteins (in response, for example, to a mismatched blood transfusion), or to one's own proteins, in instances of autoimmune disease. Serological tests may be performed for diagnostic purposes when an infection is suspected, in rheumatic illnesses, and in many other situations, such as checking blood type.
There are several serology techniques that can be used depending on the suspected antibodies. Serological techniques include agglutination, precipitation, complement-fixation and fluorescent antibodies.
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